THE LAST TO LET YOU DOWN

I suppose in military service you hope you don't ever have to do this duty, which, if you knew and served with the person, is the hardest job in the world in front of family and colleagues.
Maybe the Marine Corps have it right, and train to always give their men the best possible send off, with a full time unit, showing no emotion.
Each unit in the UK deal with the burial as and when it happens. I know in our Regiment during Op Herrick, the rear party became very proficient at carrying coffins.

'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA

We too had our rear party prepared to do the honours, death wreath and all. Still, unless he was gleaned from somewhere out of unit for a replacement, you'd still know him. The worst would be the ramp service in theater when friends carry him to the aircraft.

Jim,
Yes the Herc ramp is not a very forgiving place when you have your best boots on and number 2's.

'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA

David,
Only difference is, the U.S have a full time seconded to, unit.
One has to sadly look at the figures and see the terrible losses the US Marine Corps have around the world, as they are involved in pretty much all US policy in an operational gun toting roll.
RIP to all of them and so good to see the time and effort put into a rightful send off for their service where they paid the ultimate sacrifice! I have always admired the folded flag presentation "from a grateful nation".
Real shame we don't do something similar in the UK & Commonwealth

'Tonight my men and I have been through hell and back again, but the look on your faces when we let you out of the hall - we'd do it all again tomorrow.' Major Chris Keeble's words to Goose Green villagers on 29th May 1982 - 2 PARA